WAT is a test of personality and test of mental function in which the candidate is required to respond to the words shown, with the first thought that comes to his/her mind. It is a test of personality and mental function.
Psychological assessments are crucial in determining an individual's suitability for various roles and responsibilities. One such assessment, the Word Association Test (WAT), serves as a window into an individual's personality and mental functioning. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the WAT, exploring its history, interpretation, and its role in the evaluation of qualities desirable in military officers.
It Is Test Of Imagination To Assess The Personality And Psychologist Come To Certain Conclusion About Candidates Personality. It First Used By Famous Psychologist Galton In 1879 And Later Continued By Freud And Jung.
1. Candidates Are Made To Write First Thought On Seeing Word Ie 15 Seconds To See And 15 Second To Write.
2. Idea Can Be Expressed In Just A Phrase Or Group Of Words Or In Rare Case In One Word.
(a) Words Are Not Just Taken At Random. these Are Specially Selected And Arranged In Particular Pattern / Group.
(b) Psychologist Gets A Fair Idea About the Candidate’s Personality Ie His Likes / Dislikes, Strong/ Weak Points, achievements, sentiments, emotional Attitude And Temperamental Make-up.
(d )Reaction Of Each Candidate Is Peculiar To Himself As Influenced By His Environments.
(d) Students Are Warned Not To Memorise Ready Made Reactions, which Will Harm Him Badly.
(a) Initiative, Cooperative Spirit, Intelligence.
(b) Organisational Ability, Sociability, Courage.
(c ) Resourcefulness, Determination, Team Spirit.
(d) Hard Work, Spirit Of Adventure, Service To Nation.
(e) Sense Of Duty And Responsibility, Self Confidence.
(f) Fearlessness, Sense Of Justice, Unselfishness.
(g) Loyalty, Liveliness.
(a) It Helps In Similar Way It Helps In Other Tests.
(b) Helps In Gaining Speed In Thinking And Writing.
(c ) Able To Follow Instruction And Avoid Pitfalls.
(d) If Few Blanks Are Left, that Will Point Out Slow Thought Process.
(a) Write Reactions Against Serial Number Only.
(b) May Leave Blank Space If Cannot Think
(c ) Don’t Write Word Again.
(d) Write A Phrase Or Group Of Words Or Rarely A One Word.
(e) You May Use the Same Word In Original Form Or Any Of Its Derivatives Ie Noun, Verb, adjective Or Adverb. Eg: Success May Be Used As Successful / Succeeded / Successfully. Or Replace Happiness For Pleasure.
(f) Each Sentence / Phrase /group Of Word / Single Word Must Bring Out Essential Qualities Of Military Officer.
(g) Do Not Write Earlier Memorised Sentences.
(h) Your Response Should Be Spontaneous And Not Deliberate.
(j) Short And Snappy Responses Are More Preferable And Not Deliberate Ones.
(k) Lengthy Sentences Would Make You Commit Mistakes And Would Give Out Your Weaknesses.
(l) Avoid Anti-social Responses.
- Candidates Wrongly Think If They Can Associate Every Word With Army Career Will Get Him Selected.
- You Are Advised To Write Such Responses As Would Reveal One Of Officer Like Qualities.
- Blank Word Would Only Reveal-slow In Thinking Or Lack Of Imagination. But A Bad Response Would Point Poor Quality Or Weakness In One’s Personality.
- No Borrowed Ideas / Sentences.
The Essence of the WAT
Candidates often misinterpret the WAT, assuming that associating every word with an army career will guarantee success. In reality, the goal is to respond in a manner that showcases officer-like qualities. Leaving a word blank may indicate slow thinking, but a poor response could reveal personality flaws.
In conclusion, the Word Association Test is not just a test; it's a mirror reflecting an individual's character and psychological makeup. Aspirants should approach it with authenticity and a genuine reflection of their traits. For those aiming to become military officers, the WAT is a significant step in the evaluation process. It separates the deliberate from the spontaneous, the authentic from the rehearsed, and the future leaders from the rest.